Development of a segregation method to sort fast-grown Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden plantation trees and logs for higher quality structural timber products

Abstract Key message A method to segregate trees and logs of planted Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden has been developed, showing that accounting for wood quality during the process segregation sorting timber resources allows recovery structural desired quality. Context Appropriate raw forest is necessary allocate different production streams, ensure achieved. Acoustic wave velocity can be used test logs, its use as a tool needs investigated prior development recover high-quality timber. Aims This study aimed develop methodology plantation E. obtain boards. Methods Forty-nine were measured, assessed with acoustic velocity, processed into 268 boards maintaining board, log, tree identity. Board stiffness was determined via testing ranked in grades. Linear mixed effect models predict board based on log variables, machine learning decision create Different options compared through scenario simulation. Results The prediction individual or variables yielded low coefficients variation due large intra-log variability ( R 2 = 0.22 0.28 variables). However, identified thresholds logs. When applied simulation, produced best results, resulting shares grades, traits yield larger higher timber, respect other scenarios. Conclusion from , support determine operational increase